CHS_CG
03-19-2007, 09:36 AM
College Station is home to many big restaurant chains. And now Bryan may get in on some of the action, with the anticipated opening of a Hooters restaurant.
Although just in the beginning phases, the restaurant known for its wings, and scantily-clad waitresses, is looking to open its doors in time for the Aggies' first home football game.
No construction has begun, but plans are already underway. A small TABC sign speaks of the restaurant's intentions to serve customers in Bryan's new North Park Plaza shopping center.
"We're currently working on an architectural plan, a site adaptation. We have a standard store we put in, so we just have to adapt it to that site," said Mike Herrick, VP of Texas Wings, the franchise owners of Hooters in Texas. "So we're working on that and as soon as we do that we'll submit that to the city for approval."
When Hooters opened its doors in Waco, it wasn't welcomed by all in the community with open arms. But officials say the restaurant giant could attract more people to Bryan.
"I think anytime there's a major nationally recognized chain that comes into your community there's a potential to have a positive impact," said Royce Hickman, president of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce.
Some local residents agree with the potential for positive impact, while others have differing opinions.
"Just because they're named Hooters, everybody gets the wrong impression of them," said Brazos County resident James Steckman.
"I think it would be good for the economy. It's just another restaurant. We have quite a few already but I don't have a problem with that," said Margaret Hernandez.
"It's horrible! I don't think it's a very good idea, there are other things that could be done or put up in place of that," said Angelia Banks. "I think it's just a waste of money."
As for Hooters' signature color of orange, Herrick, whose wife is an Aggie, says he knows well that many in the Brazos Valley bleed maroon.
"We're very aware of a hatred for the color orange," said Herrick. "I'll put it that way."
Herrick says the company prides itself on being community-oriented and will cross that bridge when they come to it.
Although just in the beginning phases, the restaurant known for its wings, and scantily-clad waitresses, is looking to open its doors in time for the Aggies' first home football game.
No construction has begun, but plans are already underway. A small TABC sign speaks of the restaurant's intentions to serve customers in Bryan's new North Park Plaza shopping center.
"We're currently working on an architectural plan, a site adaptation. We have a standard store we put in, so we just have to adapt it to that site," said Mike Herrick, VP of Texas Wings, the franchise owners of Hooters in Texas. "So we're working on that and as soon as we do that we'll submit that to the city for approval."
When Hooters opened its doors in Waco, it wasn't welcomed by all in the community with open arms. But officials say the restaurant giant could attract more people to Bryan.
"I think anytime there's a major nationally recognized chain that comes into your community there's a potential to have a positive impact," said Royce Hickman, president of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce.
Some local residents agree with the potential for positive impact, while others have differing opinions.
"Just because they're named Hooters, everybody gets the wrong impression of them," said Brazos County resident James Steckman.
"I think it would be good for the economy. It's just another restaurant. We have quite a few already but I don't have a problem with that," said Margaret Hernandez.
"It's horrible! I don't think it's a very good idea, there are other things that could be done or put up in place of that," said Angelia Banks. "I think it's just a waste of money."
As for Hooters' signature color of orange, Herrick, whose wife is an Aggie, says he knows well that many in the Brazos Valley bleed maroon.
"We're very aware of a hatred for the color orange," said Herrick. "I'll put it that way."
Herrick says the company prides itself on being community-oriented and will cross that bridge when they come to it.